Enhance Draw.io: Tab Navigation For Shape Properties

Nov 27, 2025 by Admin 53 views

Hey everyone! I've got a feature request for draw.io that I think could seriously speed up your workflow. Let's dive in, shall we?

The Problem: Slow Shape Adjustment in draw.io

So, the current way we adjust shapes in draw.io, especially when you need precise control over size and position, can be a bit of a drag, right? I mean, think about it: You're creating a diagram, and you need to get a rectangle just right. You go through these steps:

Create a new diagram: Ctrl+N, easy peasy.
Add a rectangle: Hit D and click to create your shape.
Open the Format pane: If it's not already there, Ctrl+Shift+P to bring it up on the right.
Go to Arrange: Click on the "Arrange" section to get those precise shape details.
Focus on Width: Click in the "Width" box to start adjusting the size.
Enter your value: Type in the width you want (e.g., "1" for 1 inch).
The Annoying Part: Now, here's where it gets clunky. After typing the width and hitting Tab, the focus jumps out of the menu entirely. You have to click again to get to the next field – and it's super annoying.

Basically, every time you want to adjust the width, height, position (left, top), you're stuck clicking between boxes, and each time, it just feels like it's adding extra steps. When you're making a bunch of shapes and adjusting their sizes, it really adds up. This is time that could be spent creating great diagrams.

I feel as though my workflow would be considerably faster if I could "tab" through the properties of a shape (or line) and input numbers quickly. Currently, this is my exact list of replicable steps.

The Challenge: Streamlining the Process

The real challenge here is about streamlining your process. Every extra click, every tiny delay, steals a little bit of your time and your focus. When you're in the zone, creating and designing, those small interruptions add up. A simple change like tabbing through properties could significantly enhance the user experience and make everyone's lives a bit easier when working on diagrams.

The Solution: Tab Navigation for Speedy Shape Editing

My feature request is pretty straightforward: Let us use the Tab key to navigate between the size and position fields within the Format pane's "Arrange" section. Here’s how it would work:

Enter Width: Type in your desired width value and hit Tab.
Go to Height: The cursor automatically jumps to the "Height" field, ready for your input.
Enter Height: Type in the height value and hit Tab.
Go to Left: The cursor automatically jumps to the "Left" field, ready for your input.
Enter Left: Type in the Left value and hit Tab.
Go to Top: The cursor automatically jumps to the "Top" field, ready for your input.

This simple change would make a massive difference. You could rapidly input values for width, height, position, and create shapes with a level of speed and precision.

The Benefits of Tab Navigation

Imagine the benefits: You could swiftly change the properties of shapes, fine-tuning them to meet your exact design requirements. This would lead to:

Increased Productivity: Reduce the amount of time it takes to create diagrams. Spend less time fiddling with the interface, and more time focused on your ideas.
Improved User Experience: A more intuitive and user-friendly interface that will make you enjoy the whole experience.
Faster Iteration: Quickly experiment with different sizes and positions. Try out various looks without getting bogged down by the slow navigation. It means you can play more and refine your shapes much more easily.
Efficiency: Overall, it adds efficiency to the workflow.

Alternatives Considered: The Pain of Clicking

So, what's the alternative to this tabbing solution? Well, the alternative involves a lot of clicking. You have to enter a value in one box, grab your mouse, carefully click in the next box, enter a value, and repeat this process for the other properties. It's a series of mouse clicks that can be a real time-waster.

I have considered using the mouse to click the next box and inputting the next value. It requires me to click four times to change the shape to where I want it.

It’s not only slow, but it's also a big distraction from the creative flow. When you're focusing on the design, those repetitive mouse clicks pull you out of it. The constant movement, the small errors, and the extra mental effort can make the whole process less enjoyable.

Additional Context and Why It Matters

This isn't just about making things a little bit faster, it's about optimizing the user experience and making draw.io even more enjoyable to use. By adding the ability to tab, the software will work more intuitively. It's about designing a smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable experience for all the users. It's about helping people create diagrams more quickly, with less frustration, and more satisfaction. This can add significant value to the users.

It allows for greater precision and control over the shapes and elements, making it simpler for users to make the exact designs they desire. It is a win-win for everyone involved.

Thanks for taking the time to read my request. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. I really think this change could make a big difference in how we use draw.io!